Enzymes

Enzymes are special proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. They're like tiny helpers that get important jobs done quickly and efficiently.

Examples:

• Digestive enzymes: These break down food into smaller parts your body can absorb. (Example: Amylase helps break down starches.)
• Lactase: This enzyme helps you digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.
• Enzymes in your DNA: They help with repairing damage and copying your genes when you make new cells.

Etymology: The Word "Enzyme"

The word "enzyme" comes from Greek:

• "en," meaning "within."
• "zyme," meaning "yeast."

This is because some of the first enzymes studied were involved in the fermentation process used by yeast to make things like bread and beer.